Dream big, says new Kimberley Girl

Newly-crowned 2013 Kimberley Girl Jarlyn Spinks has a simple but powerful message to take back to young women in her community: dream big.

The Looma resident said she was still reeling from last week's celebrations after taking out this year's title, but was already focused on inspiring and encouraging other young women to chase their dreams.

"I would like to start off in my own community and talk to the young girls up there about my experience of Kimberley Girl," she said.

"I'd like to make them see a different side of life; there's education and stuff out there, they can get out and do things, whether it's travel, work or meet new people."

After participating in this year's program and undergoing weeks of rigorous personal and professional development, the introverted 21-year-old has transformed into a confident and determined young woman.

Crowds erupted in applause and cheered as Ms Spinks was announced the winner of Kimberley Girl during the Broome final at Goolarri Media last Friday night.

The evening was particularly memorable for all 12 finalists who took part in this year's program, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary.

Ms Spinks said she was thrilled to be the 10th woman to be crowned Kimberley Girl.

"This year was a big one," she said. "I do feel extra special."

Ms Spinks was born in Derby, but grew up in Looma. From 14, she spent six years at a Perth boarding school before moving back to her community last year.

She previously heard about Kimberley Girl, but shyness held her back.

This year, she conquered her nerves and applied.

"I just wanted that experience, seeing what the past Kimberley Girl entrants, the opportunities they get out of Kimberley Girl, and I just wanted that experience for myself, and also to build my own confidence," she said.

"Just developing myself and learning how to be a good role model so that I can support other young indigenous women to do the same stuff I did."

Ms Spinks said she was inspired by the other participants who helped guide her with future goals and ambitions. She has also had confidence to seize opportunities and currently works at the Yandi mine for Rio Tinto as a FIFO trainee site administrator.

"I just take on every opportunity that comes my way," she said.

"Having all these experiences is really good."

As the new face of Kimberley Girl, Ms Spinks said she was now looking forward to sharing her experiences with others, and become a good role model by instilling determination in young women to fulfil their destiny.

During the evening, Molly Shadforth from Djarindjin Community was announced the first Kimberley Girl runner-up, and Chantelle Shadforth from Beagle Bay Community as second runner-up.

The facilitators' choice award went to Tannielle McHugh from One Arm Point Community, while Candice Skinner from Looma Community took out the KAMSC Golden Pearl Leadership Award.

Jordeana Howard from Kununurra received the most photogenic award, while fellow Kununurra participant Georgia Powers was crowned the winner of the public choice award.

The spectacular evening boasted a plethora of highlights as the audience was taken on a memorable journey back to the humble beginnings of Kimberley Girl, established by former model Kira Fong in 2004, to the incredible success and growth it has enjoyed over the years.

As a special surprise for this year's milestone event, former Kimberley Girl winners returned to the stage to share in the celebrations and history of the life-changing leadership program.